ECHL vs Oberliga

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and Oberliga?

The ECHL is a bit stronger of these two leagues head to head. Although a number of the top Oberliga teams are quite strong, as a whole, the caliber of play is still a little bit higher in the ECHL. There's less fighting in Oberliga too as it's more of a skilled game on the larger Olympic ice.

Our team has scouted matches in both leagues. We've also spoken with a number of former players for their added insights.

ECHL

The ECHL is a minor professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 3rd highest level of pro hockey sitting under the AHL and NHL.

Oberliga

Oberliga is the third highest tier of ice hockey in all of Germany, with clubs carrying a mix of talented locals and veteran imports.

Location: North America

Location: Germany

Skill Level in ECHL

The ECHL is the main AA professional ice hockey league in North America. As the 3rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits directly under the AHL and above the SPHL. The far majority of ECHL clubs have direct affiliations with NHL clubs and it's a big development league for players aiming to move up the pro ranks to the AHL and NHL.

Skill Level in Oberliga

Oberliga is Germany’s third highest tier hockey league with a couple dozen teams spread across the country. Most clubs roster a bulk of talented local players and a small subset of experienced imports.

Player Perspective: ECHL

"Playing in the Coast was important for my career coming out of college. My time grinding here in the league helped me further develop my game and to mature as I prepared for that next level of pro. That jump may not have been possible without my experience here."

Player Perspective: Oberliga

"Oberliga is a great league to play in and the level of hockey is good.Playing in front of a few thousand fans each night is exactly what you want as an import who's playing overseas."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in Oberliga: 28

Caliber of Players and Imports in ECHL

Skill level of ECHL players is quite high, with the league only getting more skilled each year as more NHL/AHL clubs fill rosters here with up and coming prospects. A healthy percentage of ECHL rosters are filled with promising young players who have hopes to step up to the A and National league. You also have a number of seasoned veterans who possess many games in the ECHL, AHL, and a few who've had some cups of coffee in The Show (NHL). If you're undrafted and not a top major junior, NCAA, USports, or elite European player coming in, you'll have a tough time cracking a lineup here.

Caliber of Players and Imports in Oberliga

The majority of players in Oberliga are German players, but the majority of teams all carry a number of veteran imports that possess solid resumes. The level of play in Oberliga continues to strengthen based on the level of imports paired with the growth of hockey increasing local talent in Germany.